Spinach Feta Scones are a savory twist on the traditional scone, bringing together the rich flavors of fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea and can be enjoyed on their own or with a bit of butter or cream cheese. The combination of buttery dough with the earthy spinach and salty feta creates a scone that is both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the scone, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 3 3/4 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy. Be sure to use fresh baking powder for the best results.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. If you’re using table salt, reduce the amount by half since kosher salt is less salty.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors in the scone.
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small chunks: The butter creates flaky layers in the scones as it melts during baking, giving them a tender and crumbly texture.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: The spinach adds a fresh, earthy flavor and a beautiful green color to the scones. Roughly chopping the spinach ensures it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- 1 cup feta, crumbled: Feta cheese adds a tangy and salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the spinach. The crumbles of feta also create pockets of cheesy goodness in the scones.
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, plus a few tablespoons for brushing the tops of scones: The cream enriches the dough, making it tender and moist. Brushing the tops of the scones with cream before baking gives them a golden, shiny finish.
- Fresh cracked pepper for finishing: A sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper on top adds a bit of spice and enhances the overall flavor of the scones.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the scones from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and sugar. Ensure that the ingredients are well combined to distribute the baking powder and salt evenly throughout the flour.
3. Cut in the Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The small chunks of butter should still be visible; they will create the flaky texture in the scones.
4. Add the Spinach and Feta:
- Gently fold in the chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the scones to become tough.
5. Incorporate the Cream:
- Slowly pour the heavy cream into the mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable.
6. Shape the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle or rectangle about 1 inch thick. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but avoid adding too much as it can make the scones dry.
7. Cut the Scones:
- Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the dough into wedges, squares, or rounds, depending on your preference. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.
8. Brush with Cream and Add Pepper:
- Brush the tops of the scones with the remaining heavy cream. This step gives the scones a beautiful golden color as they bake. Sprinkle a bit of fresh cracked pepper on top of each scone for an extra flavor boost.
9. Bake the Scones:
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The scones should be firm to the touch but still soft inside.
10. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. These scones are best served warm, either on their own or with a bit of butter.
Tips for Success
- Keep the Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and cream are key to achieving the perfect scone texture. The cold butter creates steam as it melts during baking, resulting in flaky layers. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the flour mixture before adding the butter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Customize Your Scones: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins. Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or herbs like dill or thyme can be added for extra flavor.
- Freezing the Dough: If you want to prepare the scones in advance, you can freeze the unbaked scones on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once frozen. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Spinach Feta Scones are a delightful savory treat that’s perfect for any time of day. The combination of fresh spinach, tangy feta, and rich, buttery dough creates a scone that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, enjoying them as a snack, or even pairing them with soup or salad for a light meal, these scones are sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a bakery-quality scone right in your own kitchen. Enjoy them warm from the oven, and watch them disappear quickly!
